From church to fort, back to church and thence to theatre - through war, fire and vicissitudes the building now known as the Fort Salem Theatre has endured for nearly two and a half centuries.

In 1761 Joshua Conkey and James Turner journeyed from their home in Massachusetts and discovered a lush valley fed by a brook the Indians called Osoma- "stream of shining pebbles"- for the stones glistening beneath the clear waters.

The Massachusetts men saw a good future here, and the next year brought their families back to live. They built homes and a school, and organized a church, called the First Presbyterian, it being the first to be incorporated in the county. There were 52 members in the congregation.

In 1774 a proper edifice was begun, but before it was completed, or a pastor secured to even preach in it, war stormed through the valley in the form of General Burgoyne, the fierce Le Loup and his Indian raiders. Patriot forces occupied what there was of the new church building and built a stockade and barracks for the troops. Known variously as the White Creek Fort, Fort William, and Fort Salem, it was burned in the late summer of 1777, reportedly by a "domestic" enemy - a Tory. Thus, the New Englanders' first church was destroyed before it ever came to fruition. It was the first of these destructive fires which may have discouraged a less stalwart group.

The second edifice was quite magnificent. Running lengthwise to the street, there were entrances on three sides, galleries all around, 46 boxed-in wooden pews, and a square steeple large enough to hold the session room. This building burned to the ground sometime between 1822 and 1836, when the present structure was built. In 1840, the congregation gathered in dismay once more to see their church burning to the ground. This time all the early records were lost, but the walls at least, were left standing.

Undaunted, the Presbyterians rebuilt their church one more time, "with improvements." This is the building you see today. In 1882 a chapel-today's shops and dressing rooms-was added, and the institution thrived, growing to a total of 436 members. In the late 1950's, however, changing times and a dwindling congregation forced a merger with the Scotch Presbyterians down the street. For a time sessions were held jointly in alternate locations, but in 1965 it was decided to, sadly, leave the valiant old structure for good. For a brief time its rooms echoed with the noises of children from the nearby school while being used as extra classroom space, but for the most part it stood nearly empty and waiting.

In 1972 it was purchased by Judge Whilliam Drohan of New York City, who as a summer resident of Salem and part-time thespian of some note, saw possibilities. He replaced the alter with a stage, made other necessary changes and produced the first shows.

In 1979 the Fort Salem Theatre, as it was now proudly known, was sold to Quentin C. Beaver, a director and award winning actor who had starred in several productions and had come to love it as a second home. Under his producership, the reputation of Fort Salem has thrived, becoming one of the premier summer stock theatres of the Northeast, known for the professional quality of its family-oriented musicals, comidies and occasional dramas.

The Fort Salem Theatre, still known as the Brick Church by villagers, faces out toward a broad, tree lined street in Salem's National Historic District. Its neighbors include many gracious homes dating from the early 1800's. It is quite majestic appearing, with its tall steeple and towering white columns supporting a Greek Revival portico over white marble steps. While changes have had to be made to intensify the dramatic experience for theatre aficionados, efforts are always made to preserve the historic nature of the building. Some of the original wooden pews remain, but most pews have been replaced with cushioned theatre seats for comfort. The steeple which houses the only working Meneely clock has been recently restored and new ropes hung to ring the bell announcing the start of each performance.

Shows are held from the end of June through Labor Day and again for an October foliage season. Selected with the main objective of audience enjoyment, they include the best of Broadway, fun-loving comedies and warm family dramas. Directors, cast and musicians are drawn from the world of professional entertainers from across the country and internationally.

The Fort Salem Theatre is a member of the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council and the Albany League of the Arts.